That's what I did and it was weird and a bit crazy but that's what I did and I liked it.  And doing that was one of the best things I've ever done because it helped me to learn that life often has to be lived by doing weird crazy things that nobody expects, or sometimes even likes.  Can you imagine my wife's reaction when she stepped into my little studio place and saw me painting thiefloor bright red. 

I'm also  going to give you a heads up by a brief mention that I want you to read or think about the fact that we might be facing some serious famine in the world this summer and the rest of the year.  We need to know that, and maybe prepare for it and pray about it. 

But then please join me for a little fun as I go back into my archives and tell you a story that took place many years ago when I indeed painted the floor red and how it began to change my life in some good crazy and sometimes scary ways.

And some of you have already guessed what I'm talking about and others might not.  When visitors go to Washington DC the capital of the United States there are lots of memorials and monuments and museums and things to see and do.  The most visited one is the one that had the most controversial beginning.  Indeed many who saw the first design were horrified by it.  It was terrible, ugly, nihilistic, and certainly not a worthy way to honor the 56,000 men and women who have died in that difficult and ultimately losing conflict.  And for some it was difficult when they discovered that the designer was a 20 year old woman born of Chinese immigrants.   But Maya Lynn had an incredible and unique quality that she knew and understood that turned a mirror monument into a sacred and healing place for millions.  What did she have that most people don't have.  With your permission give me 15 minutes and I'll tell you the story.

That's not me, but maybe someday I will. The table comes from an article written by a gentleman named Nick Ut.  He was a war correspondent photographer during the Vietnam war and he took a picture, a terrible picture of a naked young girl being burned.  And now he tells the story behind that picture, and what he did that probably saved her life and now she is living happily ever after.  And in some ways it probably helped bring an end to that tragic and bitter war, the legacy of which is still with us today.  So if you give me 15 minutes on this Monday evening I will tell you the story.

Yes I do cry or at least tear up a bit and I really can't help myself. I've seen it many times but every time I see the Apollo 13 film about rescuing the astronauts on that ill-fated trip to the moon.  And at the end I find tears of joy. And I'm not usually that kind of guy however I have found that as I get older I find it much easier to be less emotionally constipated and up my feelings flow more and more. 

And that's just an introduction to a profound communication principle which I want you to know and remember and put into practice and all the things you say and do... Indeed every great story is a rescue story.

Yes they are.  Some of you are cynical and saying that that title is only Clickbait.  It may be that, but it's far more than bait. One of the most successful communicators taught me a secret about how to begin a speech, a program, a sermon, a lecture and even how to begin a sales presentation.  Let me tell you how  it works and it is totally counter to the way almost everybody does those things today.  Begin by being fully present, standing tall, well dressed, making direct and powerful eye contact and then you under the seven words and you will discover that you were tapping in to some great power.  You will never do any of the above things the same again, and if you do you will understand why you're doing them wrong.  So in 15 minutes here is the story of those seven words.

Now throughout popular culture and the media the woman's name Karen is used to describe a very unpleasant and unlikable character.  What is my dear wife to do.  Let me tell you the story about what we do and then segue into one of the most important skills that you will need in life and business today. You will not be nearly as successful as you could be unless you learn how to listen to and tell good stories because storytelling is the only effective means of communication.  Let me say it again, storytelling is the only effective means of communication.  Now let me explain by telling you the story.

 Jack Nicholson shouted that out.  Was he just shouting at Tom Cruise or was he also shouting at you and me. How do we tell the truth and do we have the courage to face the truth.  We all say we want the truth we want to hear the truth but the truth is that is often not true.  I've given a lot of thought to how you can tell people the truth and how you can help people accept the truth.  What I'm going to teach you in the next 20 minutes, one person said that it was one of the most important things they've ever learned that helped them become a success in their business.

No I'm sure you don't want to $5000 fountain pen but somebody might and what does that tell us about life and business. Let me tell you the story behind the $5000 fountain pen... And why you might want to get a better one that you have.  Today is D-Day and let me give you a word about the D word = Done.  And then can I challenge you to remember that at this time in our faith tradition we may be called upon to ask for Big Things ... And what are some of the big things that you want in your life right now, today.  A start of the Monday week with lots of interesting ideas.